The last group sets course for an assisted living location run by Radar. On the way while cycling, the mutual acquaintance takes place—in English, Dutch and Maastrichts. Students Rous and Marie (who are from Germany) have participated before; for Ralph and expats Kasia and Silvia, it is the first time. Maastrichtenaar Wenda is getting on the bus with her walker, accompanied by Zonnoh. The Liberian currently lives in the AZC in Heerlen but has come to Maastricht especially for the Volunteer Day. “I saw the announcement on the internet and wanted to help. I’m actually a nurse. I want to contribute to society—if I can’t work, then through voluntary work. Unfortunately, I don’t speak any Dutch.”

Polishing nails

To the residents with whom Ralph, Zonnoh and Wenda play a game of Uno a little later in the cosy living room, that does not matter. They are enjoying themselves to the fullest. An hour later, Ralph is already roped into coming and playing chess with a different resident every month. In the meantime, the kitchen has been transformed into a nail salon. Hand creams, polish removers and all kinds of colours of nail polish are laid out on the table.

Marie takes care of Mieke, who wants to use nail polish with glitter. “This way, I meet people that I wouldn’t normally come into contact with”, says Marie. “I like to create an experience together, not only by talking, but also by doing something together.” When Mieke’s nails are done, the roles are reversed and she paints Marie's fingernails with glitter—lots of glitter. Suddenly alarmed, she asks if it is actually okay. “I think it’s beautiful”, Marie laughs. “I love excess. More is more”, Mieke reassures her. “We have a lot of fun”, she concludes.

Resident Kitty has left the ‘nail salon’ and now puts the finishing touches on a beautiful collage on paper with Rous. In the centre is a photo of the carnival band Ziesjoem. “I’ve been a fan of theirs for 38 years”, says Kitty proudly. With infinite patience, she sticks flowers, poetry and letters around the photo. Crafting is what she prefers to do. For her, the end of the special morning comes too quickly; she could have gone on for hours.

Surprising

Greet de Rechter from Serve the City Maastricht is enthusiastic about the turnout for the first Big Volunteer Day. “We try to bring together people from different backgrounds through these kinds of initiatives. Our experience is that participants are often completely surprised: it gives back so much more than they expect. About 60% of our volunteers are students. They want to do something for the city, but they don’t always know how. They find us while searching online. Often, they’re also international students. For them, it’s an eye-opener. In most cases, they have no idea what life is like for the average Maastricht citizen behind closed doors.”